What Makes the Blocks Special?

Did you know that over ten years of research have gone into making Imagination Playground Blocks as special as they are? I know it is easy to play with something and overlook the minute aspects that make them the beloved toy they are. So play on and enjoy the joy they bring to both children and adults the world over, but if you are interested in the science and details, we are happy to share.

The average toy is played with by 3 children for 2 hours per week. Imagination Playground Blocks are designed to withstand 30 children for 10 hours a day in almost any environmental condition. And we warranty the product for 5 years! Now that has to be one though toy!

The Foam

The foam formulation used in Imagination Playground is truly unique and proprietary. It took years and over 100 formulation changes to develop.  It is not easy to make something light and soft with a velvety touch and have it last under the grueling condition that our blocks are subject to. The goal is to have a 3 year old be able to lift and manipulate a life sized block – yet have it be sturdy enough for a 200 pound adult to stand on. Well we created just that. In addition because the foam is closed cell it has soma additional and amazing properties:

• Waterproof
• Mold and Mildew Resistant
• Easy to disinfect and clean

The Color

Yes all of our blocks are blue. But not just blue, Imagination Playground blue. It is a color we researched and tested to be soothing. Since the blocks can be found in special needs schools around the world, it was important that the color be just right. And it is.

The Details

Each edge is hand chamfered to make the product as safe as possible. We know kids are going to climb on them and fall and most likely use them as weapons. We wanted to ensure that each edge is not pointed and limits the chances of injury.

The seams are also important. Some of our blocks are pretty large. Some measuring as much as 48 inches in length. So we need to combine multiple buns of foam (an industry term) to make that possible. Most people don’t think about the seams and assume they are glued together. The problem with glues, especially industrial ones designed to stand up to the intense play of a block, are TOXIC. We do not use any glues or adhesives at all. We use a custom system of heating and fusion that keeps the blocks together. Cool right? Next time you have an Imagination Playground block run your hand over the seam and see if you can even feel it.

Those are just a few of the things we think about every day to improve the playability, safety and feel of our blocks. The best news is that we continue to innovate every day and push the science and technology forward to create the best learning experience for each child.

If you want to learn more about our safety and technology feel free to call anytime. And if you don’t have Imagination Playground Blocks in your school, community or library ask for a sample kit to experience the blocks for yourself!